Winter is a great time to enjoy seasonal and warming foods that provide comfort and nourishment. I remember my mom used to make some nice winter delicacies like sarson ka saag, makki ki roti, gajar ka halwa, and one of my favourites -Pinnis and ladoos. I am sharing the jaggery and dry fruit ladoos recipe.

Here are some foods that are commonly enjoyed during the winter months:

  1. Root Vegetables: Vegetables like carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, and turnips are abundant in winter. They can be roasted, mashed, or added to stews and soups, providing warmth and essential nutrients.
  2. Winter Greens: Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, collard greens, and mustard leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals. They’re versatile and can be used in salads, soups, or sautéed as side dishes.
  3. Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, clementines, and lemons are in season during winter. They are packed with vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system.
  4. Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, almonds, pecans, and pumpkin seeds are high in healthy fats and provide warmth. They’re great snacks or added to oatmeal, salads, or baked goods.
  5. Hot Beverages: Warm beverages like herbal teas, hot chocolate, and spiced cider provide warmth and comfort during chilly days.
  6. Herbs and Spices: Incorporate warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and cloves into your dishes. They not only add flavor but also have potential health benefits.
  7. Comforting Soups and Stews: Homemade soups and stews with various vegetables, legumes, and lean proteins are perfect for winter, providing warmth and nutrition in a single bowl.

Including a variety of these seasonal foods in your diet during winter can help keep you warm, boost your immune system, and provide essential nutrients to support overall health during the colder months. One such winter food is jaggery which has many benefits.

Benefits of Jaggery –

Jaggery, a traditional sweetener in many parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Africa, is derived from sugarcane or palm sap. It offers various health benefits due to its natural composition and nutritional content:

pic courtesy organic facts. in

  1. Rich in Nutrients: Jaggery contains essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, and vitamins like B complex. It’s also a source of antioxidants.
  2. Digestive Aid: It aids digestion by stimulating bowel movements and cleansing the digestive system, thus preventing constipation.
  3. Energy Booster: Its natural sugars provide instant energy to the body, making it an excellent source of carbohydrates for quick energy.
  4. Blood Purification: Jaggery is believed to help purify blood, cleansing the body by eliminating toxins.
  5. Respiratory Health: It’s used in some traditional remedies to alleviate coughs and other respiratory problems.
  6. Anemia Prevention: The iron content in jaggery can contribute to preventing and treating iron-deficiency anemia.
  7. Rich in Antioxidants: Its antioxidants can help in boosting immunity and fight harmful free radicals in the body.
  8. Bone Health: Minerals like calcium and phosphorus present in jaggery contribute to maintaining strong and healthy bones.

However, it’s essential to consume jaggery in moderation due to its high sugar content. While it’s a healthier alternative to refined sugar, excessive consumption can still contribute to weight gain and other health issues. Consulting a healthcare professional is advisable, especially for individuals with diabetes or specific dietary concerns.

Jaggery and dry fruit ladoos recipe –

Jaggery and dry fruit ladoo is a delightful Indian sweet treat! It’s made by combining finely chopped or ground dry fruits like almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins with jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar made from sugarcane). Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mixed dry fruits (almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins) – finely chopped or ground
  • 1 cup jaggery (grated or powdered)
  • 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
  • Desiccated coconut for coating (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat a pan on low flame and add ghee to it.
  2. Add the chopped or ground dry fruits and roast them lightly for a few minutes until they turn aromatic. Keep stirring to avoid burning.
  3. Once the dry fruits are roasted, add the jaggery to the pan.
  4. Mix well and cook on low heat until the jaggery melts completely and combines with the dry fruits. This will form a sticky mixture.
  5. Add cardamom powder for extra flavor if desired and mix it well.
  6. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down for a few minutes until it’s safe to handle.
  7. Grease your palms with a little ghee. Take small portions of the mixture and roll it into round ladoos or balls.
  8. If you prefer, roll the ladoos in desiccated coconut for an added touch.
  9. Repeat the process for the remaining mixture.
  10. Allow the ladoos to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

These ladoos are not only delicious but also packed with the goodness of dry fruits. They make for a healthy and delightful snack! You can also check out Jaggery and til ladoo recipe

I also tried them with products from Yum For Little. Check out the video –

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